The spring football season kicked off with a bang Wednesday night, as St. Cloud hosted a three-team jamboree featuring South Lake and Viera. If you missed the action, let's just say the future of Central Florida football looks bright—and fast.
The night belonged to Owen Sullivan, St. Cloud's 6-foot-3, 230-pound tight end who is already making a name for himself as the No. 15 ranked prospect in the Sentinel's 2027 Central Florida Super60. Sullivan put on a clinic, hauling in five passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns. His route running has clearly taken a step forward, and he's become a reliable big target for quarterback Jeremiah Lattier. On a 19-yard touchdown catch, Sullivan turned a simple screen pass into a highlight-reel play, twisting out of a tackle and sprinting 15 yards to the end zone. His blocking has also improved, making him a complete weapon on offense.
Not to be outdone, South Lake quarterback Tre Kelly showed why he's a four-year starter. With a running back's mentality, Kelly used his legs to gain over 60 yards on the ground, often pulling handoffs and tucking the ball on RPO plays. He scored both of South Lake's touchdowns—on runs of 5 and 9 yards—and added a third from 7 yards out later in the night. A 35-yard connection to Rome McKinnond set up Kelly's first score, proving his arm is just as dangerous as his feet.
The game ended in a 14-14 tie after two quarters, but the defensive highlights were just as exciting. St. Cloud's Jowell Cruz and South Lake's Cornelius Van Rooneyen both came away with interceptions, keeping the pressure on all night.
South Lake had some notable absences, including 10 transfer players who sat out due to Lake County's new policy barring transfers from spring games. Among those watching from the sideline was Foundation Academy transfer Sam Wood, who is expected to be the Eagles' featured running back this fall. Also sidelined was tight end Brian Beddingfield, a 2027 prospect who is rehabbing a torn MCL suffered earlier this month. His potential remains a tantalizing mystery for Eagles fans.
Despite the missing pieces, South Lake showed depth and grit. Punter-turned-running-back Zaide Nance impressed with his toughness, while St. Cloud's Jaden Taylor-Irons also turned heads with his performance. If this spring opener is any indication, the upcoming season is shaping up to be one for the books. Whether you're a fan of power running, precision passing, or lockdown defense, there's plenty to get excited about in Central Florida football.